Manchester United manager
Sir Alex Ferguson has accused TV companies of preventing a post-winter break from being introduced into the English domestic schedule.

The Scot believes that a two-week halt across English competitions would be just enough to give players a rest and reduce the risk of minor injuries causing problems during the second-half of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson: All-powerful TV is denying us a winter break

However, despite support from other managers such as the current England coach Fabio Capello and former England and Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson , he is doubtful there will be any change.

Ferguson said: ‘It is not just to give the players a rest. It is to get rid of all the little injuries they carry.

‘It would also freshen everyone up mentally, including my staff because they could do with that break as well.’

This season’s post-Christmas schedule saw Manchester United play four Premier League games in just ten days.

Sir Alex accused decision-makers of failing to listen to players and coaching staff, which he believes is an indication that ‘TV has too much power’.

Manchester United are set to go into tonight’s first leg Champions League semi-final against Schalke without key players.

Top scorer Dimitar Berbatov will miss the clash having not been able to recover from a groin injury in time, while Darren Fletcher is not expected to feature, after contracting a virus.